To the Expositor:
We were saddened to hear of Jake’s passing; what a loss for the people of Manitoulin!
Over the years, my wife and I came to know Jake as a result of visits to the store in Mindemoya where we could always be sure of getting what we wanted, or alternatively, coming home with whatever it was that Jake knew we really needed! Jake’s Furniture almost inevitably had something which, of an instant (and with the added magic of the salesman’s touch), you knew you had been missing for much of your life. Putting it bluntly; Jake was the ultimate salesman!
We also enjoyed his great contributions to the Island’s cultural life by means of the Gore Bay theatre group. In particular, we remember his moving performance in “Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun;” he was top notch! We will always remember Jake as being a little larger than life and we are thankful to have known him.
We may be sure that, wherever he is now, Jake will already have people laughing and, in addition, he will probably have sold them that new fridge or sofa which, of course, they had long needed!
Bless you Jake and thanks for the memories!
Sincerely,
Eric and Peg Balkind
Elizabeth Bay
